• Home
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Crazy Little Projects

  • Sewing & Crafts
    • Sewing Patterns & Ideas
    • Beginner Sewing Patterns
    • Sewing Tips & Tricks
    • Sewing Classes
    • Quick & Easy Crafts
    • Kids Crafts
  • Food & Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Desserts
  • Fun & Games
    • Parties & Party Ideas
    • Party Games
    • Fun for Kids
    • Great Books to Read
  • Gift Ideas
    • Cheer Up Gifts
    • Birthday Gift Ideas
    • Thank You Gifts
    • Holiday Neighbor Gifts
    • Handmade Gift Ideas
    • Color-Themed Gifts
  • Holidays & Occasions
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • 4th of July
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Birthdays
    • Summer Fun Ideas
    • Back to School
You are here: Home / Sewing & Crafts / Sling Tote Tutorial

July 19, 2012 · 50 Comments

Sling Tote Tutorial

Sewing & Crafts· Sewing Patterns & Ideas

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

This sling tote bag was fun to make because I was making it for a gift and it isn’t really my own style, so it was something different than what I normally sew. And the person I made it for loved it which is always great.

It’s a sling tote bag:

Sling tote free pattern and tutorial
How to make a sling tote bag

 

Sling Tote tutorial

I didn’t have a pattern, just pictures of similar bags and I figured I could pull it off, but I was a little nervous. It worked out great though and was really pretty easy.

Here’s What You Need:
1 yard main fabric
1 yard accent/inner fabric
1/4 yard lining (optional)

Here’s How to Make It:

Start out by laying out your fabric and cutting basically a half circle with these dimensions: 23″ across the top, 14.5″ from the top to the bottom of the circle. Cut 2 of these.

how to make a handbag

Now, to make the pleats in the bag you will start at the center of the bag and make one pleat that is about 2 inches. Pull the fabric under and pin it on either side:

pleated tote bag

Then, working out from there do two more pleats on each side each about another 2 inches apart or so. Make sure that the pleats match up on both sides so that your bag is even:

Sling tutorial

Here’s what it should look like from the bottom:

And here is what each individual pleat looks like up close:

Mine measured 13″ across the top once I had all the pleats in.

Once you have them all pinned in place, run a stitch along the top to secure your pleats. Then remove your pins:

Do that to both sides of the bag making sure that your two sides of the bag come out even.

Then, match up both sides of the bag with right sides together and sew around the outside leaving only the top open:

Now, using your accent fabric, cut a strip that is 4″ wide and at least 30″ long.

Pin it around the inside lip of your bag with right sides touching.

Pin all the way around until the fabric goes all the way around the top of the bag. When you have a full circle, trim off your excess and sew it together:

Then sew around the top opening. It should look like this when you are done:


Now, lay your outer bag on your inner fabric. You are going to use this as your pattern for your inside.

Cut around the bag to form your inner bag. Cut 2 pieces.

It should look like this:

I wanted a pocket on the inside of the bag, so I made that next.

Cut out a piece of your outer fabric that is 9.5″ by 7.5.” Then fold it in half, right sides together and stitch around it leaving a small opening to turn it.

Turn it and press it flat.

Place it where you want it on the inner fabric and sew it in place:

Now, with right sides together, sew around the outside of your inner fabric.

Now, turn the outside of your bag right side out and place your inner part down inside of it.

Now to make the strap. Cut 2 pieces of your accent 3″ by 33.” (My photo shows a 4″ wide strap but I felt like it was too wide.)

For the strap I wanted to line it so it would hold up better. You can use lining. I used felt. Either one works. The felt makes it a little bulky but also helps it stay sturdy.

With right sides of the fabric in and the lining on the outside (on just one side of the strap) sew down the long side of the strap. Do this on both sides:

Turn it right side out. Top stitch on each long side of the strap:

We’re almost done! Stick your strap down in between your inner bag and out bag pieces on the far edges of your bag. Stick it way down in there so it will be nice and secure. Pin it in place.

Next, fold down the inner and outer fabric on the top of the bag (towards each other) to create your top hem and press them. Stitch all the way around the bag. I did it twice-once with about a 1/2″ hem and once right at the very edge of the bag:

Last I top stitched where the outer bag fabric meets the accent fabric:

And that’s it! Now you’ve got a great bag to carry all sorts of treasures. If your bag is at all like mine, it will be a dungeon that will hide all the things you are looking for.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related Posts:

  • 30+ Free Bag Sewing Patterns
    30+ Free Bag Sewing Patterns
  • 25 Easy & Free Beginner Sewing Projects
    25 Easy & Free Beginner Sewing Projects
  • Homemade Mother's Day Gifts
    Homemade Mother's Day Gifts
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Previous Post: « Patriotic Popcorn
Next Post: Angry Birds Hooded Towel Tutorial »

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Di says

    September 25, 2017 at 11:46 am

    Rather than pleats, try gathering the fabric. To make it reversible, construct the inside identical to the outside. For a closure, add an inner magnetic snap or add a buttonhole and button.

    Reply
  2. Di says

    September 25, 2017 at 11:26 am

    Thanks for presenting a bag that doesn’t require interfacing!

    Reply
  3. Deb says

    September 1, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    I just found this tutorial. Fantastic tutorial. It’s so clear and easy to follow! Thanks

    Reply
  4. Longchamp Soldes says

    July 24, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta state thanks for the post on this one
    :D.

    Reply
  5. Michelly says

    May 10, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    Hi! I’m twelve. I love the purse and the fabric! Pink and grey go really good together. I’m hoping I can make this! Please check out my Etsy shop: http://www.projectsgirl1.etsy.com, and my blog: http://www.projectsgirl1.blogspot.com.

    Reply
  6. Manuela says

    March 5, 2015 at 2:22 am

    Hallo,
    this Bag is very pritty..

    Reply
  7. Andrea says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    Thanks for this great tutorial!! This is only my second sewing project ever and it came out with only a couple of hitches! Learned from my mistakes and I’m sure the next o e I make will be even better! I’ll be making several for Christmas gifts so sooner or later I should have it down pat!!

    Reply
  8. Aimee says

    November 9, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    Thank you so much! Just made this for my daughter. Great tutorial. I’m certainly not an expert seamstress, and it worked out well. I also had the issue with the lining being a bit too small for the opening, so I added a pleat and it turned out fine. A super-cute, quick project. Thanks again!

    Reply
  9. Kayleigh says

    March 16, 2014 at 12:44 am

    I gave it a try a a newbie to sewing and I must say I am pretty happy with the results. If it wasn’t for your step by step I might not have tried it. I had a few problems with finishing the top and mine came up with the inside being a bit smaller but I added a few pleats near the handles and it came out OK.
    Thanks so much amber!
    Kayleigh

    Reply
  10. Guylaine says

    January 11, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Exactly what I was looking for! I do also prefer these kind of bags instead of traditional purses. I’ll sew one (or more) for sure! Thank you for sharing… from Montréal, Canada

    Reply
  11. Georgia says

    June 25, 2013 at 11:11 am

    The best tutorial I’ve found, thus far, for this type of bag (and I’ve been looking for a while because I’m being picky haha)
    I can’t wait to start this project!! Thanks so much for the tons of pictures and clear explanations, I doubt I would be able to make it otherwise. (I’m on holiday, so now I’ll have plenty of time)

    Reply
  12. yvonne says

    May 18, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    Love it, I’m going to try and make one this week!! Thanks for the tips 🙂

    Reply
  13. Jodi M says

    May 17, 2013 at 12:07 am

    Wow! These are AMAZING tutorials. You make it look so simple, I cannot wait to raid my fabric stash and get started! I’ve got some beautiful home decor weight fabric I bought on clearance at Jo-Ann for a couple of bucks a yard that I’ve been sitting on for a year, waiting for just the right bag tutorial. I’ve found it! If I can get my work table cleaned off enough so that the photos wouldnt embarrass me, I may do a sew-along with a link back and post to my blog, Wabi Slobby, if that’s OK with you.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      May 19, 2013 at 7:50 pm

      I’d love that 🙂

      Reply
  14. Kelly says

    March 13, 2013 at 8:56 am

    I am wondering how big the bag turns out to be? I could probably figure that out based on the tutorial, but I’m a little sleep deprived so please help, lol!

    Reply
    • Amber says

      March 13, 2013 at 3:06 pm

      It’s going to be approximately 20×15 or so.

      Reply
  15. Amber S says

    February 19, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    I have fallen behind on other projects due to making 2 of these bags. One I use as a diaper bag and the other was gift for my niece. I love my bag. Great tutorial. Easy to follow along.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      February 19, 2013 at 1:48 pm

      Good to hear they’ve gone well!

      Reply
  16. Patti says

    February 10, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Hello
    I am almost finished, but ran into
    a problem. When I pinned the
    lining to the outside bag it came
    up to be about 3-4 inches too short, only
    on the top. Trying to fix it only made it
    bunch. If I make another 2 lining
    pieces they might end up being too big.
    Hoping that you have some suggestions.
    Thanks
    Patti

    I am a bit frustrated. I guess I have
    to make another 2 pieces for the
    lining. It m

    Reply
    • Amber says

      February 11, 2013 at 1:12 pm

      It should match up exactly if you sewed them both the same. But, if not, take one out of the other and lay them on top of each other and trim them to match.

      Reply
      • Patti says

        February 11, 2013 at 6:19 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
  17. Patti says

    January 31, 2013 at 2:16 am

    Hi again,
    It took some time, but I got the 2
    different patterns and colors from
    2 different sites.
    My question is…. That half circle
    looks moore oblong.
    I was going to use a protractor
    and try and make a complete circle.
    Do you have a better idea? I see
    this being the only obstacle.
    Thanks
    Patti

    Reply
    • Amber says

      January 31, 2013 at 9:46 pm

      No, you are right. Mine was probably a little bit oblong. I would say make it oblong just a little.

      Reply
      • Patti says

        February 1, 2013 at 6:37 am

        Thank you very much. I just saw your ruffle tote… Oh boy, that will definitely be next on my list.
        Patti 🙂

        Reply
        • Amber says

          February 1, 2013 at 8:11 am

          Love to hear that!

          Reply
  18. AnnieG says

    January 15, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    I made this bag and I think (for my first sewing project since I was about 8, now 33) it turned out very decently. There were several mistakes along the way but I cleaned them up. Great tutorial! I am going to use mine for my daughters diaper bag for daycare.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      January 15, 2013 at 9:02 pm

      Yay! I love to hear that sort of thing!

      Reply
      • Patti says

        January 29, 2013 at 12:20 pm

        Hi
        I love the fabric.
        Is there a site that I might
        be able to buy it at?
        Thanks
        Patti

        Reply
        • Amber says

          January 29, 2013 at 1:44 pm

          I got those at http://www.theribbonretreat.com It’s Riley Blake fabric I believe.

          Reply
          • Patti says

            January 30, 2013 at 5:06 am

            Thank you so much. The colors just seem to jump right up at you. I love the tote too.
            Patti 🙂

  19. lisa says

    November 19, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    beautiful, love the material. place on list of crafts to do list

    Reply
  20. Violets Silver Lining says

    August 12, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    So cute! Adorable! 🙂

    Reply
  21. midwestdomesticbliss says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    i love your bag! thank you for sharing, just what i have been looking for in a purse, i plan to sew this it soon!!

    Reply
  22. The Thriftiness Miss says

    July 27, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    So cute!! I love the colors and you made such a great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing this.. Pinning for later 🙂

    Reply
  23. Christine says

    July 26, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    I LOVE YOU!!!! Really!! I do!!! This is an AWESOME step by step… that I can follow!! You’re sooooooo awesome!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!

    Reply
  24. Jaime Lynn says

    July 25, 2012 at 4:07 am

    I love that!!! So cute!!

    Visiting from Tip Me Tuesday.

    – Jaime
    mrsmamapanda.blogspot.com

    Reply
  25. Jeannie @ Living Loving Crafting says

    July 24, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    Cute! Great tutorial!

    Reply
  26. Fashionista MH says

    July 24, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    OMG I am going to make one right now!!!

    Reply
  27. Usakou うさこう says

    July 24, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    amaazing !!! awesome tutorial, I’m gonna try this ^^ thanks so much <33

    Reply
  28. anula_un says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    love it,!!

    Reply
  29. Sirena says

    July 22, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    lindo lindo lindo,gracias por compartir,buen finde ,te dejo bechitos

    Reply
  30. Little Becky Homecky says

    July 21, 2012 at 8:11 am

    Great tutorial and the fabrics are incredible! Thanks for linking this up to Fantabulous Friday at Little Becky Homecky!!

    Reply
  31. Ann Marie says

    July 21, 2012 at 5:57 am

    Just had to pop in here as I was the LUCKY recipient if this lovely bag! Amber and I were in a gift exchange and she had asked me just a few questions about my likes/dislikes etc.

    Let me tell you she nailed this on the head! It couldn’t be any more ME unless I had made it myself! Everyone asks if I made it when they compliment me on how beautidul it is! I always give Amber the credit! It is awesome to see it in tne tutorial and tne pics of it of it give me a different perspective of how others see the bag! I LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks again Amber!

    Reply
  32. Alisha @ Crafty Brooklyn Army Wife says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:13 am

    Very cute bag. I love the contrasting fabrics. Great tutorial too!! TFS!! Stopping by from Friday Fun Party and Features linky party.

    Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/07/bow-pleated-purse.html

    Reply
  33. Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says

    July 20, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    Amber – this tote is darling! I adore the fabric you chose! Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing at the Pomp Party! Pinning to our Pomp Party board!

    Reply
  34. Tonna @ USS Crafty says

    July 20, 2012 at 2:04 am

    I love that black and gray fabric! Cute bag!

    Reply
  35. stacy says

    July 19, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    Love it!!!!

    Reply
  36. Joyce says

    July 19, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    Thanks so much. I know my daughter would love this style. Your instructions are very clear. Wow- now to choose my fabrics!

    Reply
  37. Bronwyn says

    July 19, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Great tutorial. SO many pictures to help along the way.

    Reply
    • Starr says

      August 27, 2020 at 9:40 am

      Love this! And it’s super flexible with the measurements and fabric choices all throughout.. also, so easy to follow. Cool, thanks! 😉

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Well hello!

Hi! I am Amber. I'm first and foremost a mom to 4 boys. When I am not being a mom or a wife I love to bake, I love to sew, I love to read and I don't like to sit still. Welcome to Crazy Little Projects where I show off my latest crazy projects and show you how you can do them too. Thanks for visiting! [Read More …]

Favorite Posts:

How to make an easy baby quilt
25 Free Baby Sewing Patterns
Pool Bag Pattern
Messenger Bag Tutorial

More Posts from this Category

Copyright © 2023 crazylittleprojects.com. All rights reserved.

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Crazy Little ProjectsLogo Header Menu
  • Home
    • About Me
    • Contact Crazy Little Projects
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Sewing & Crafts
    • Sewing Patterns & Ideas
    • Beginner Sewing Patterns
    • Sewing Tips & Tricks
    • Sewing Classes
    • Quick & Easy Crafts
    • Kids Crafts
  • Food & Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Desserts
  • Fun & Games
    • Parties & Party Ideas
    • Party Games
    • Fun for Kids
    • Great Books to Read
  • Gift Ideas
    • Cheer Up Gifts
    • Birthday Gift Ideas
    • Thank You Gifts
    • Holiday Neighbor Gifts
    • Handmade Gift Ideas
    • Color-Themed Gifts
  • Holidays & Occasions
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • 4th of July
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Birthdays
    • Summer Fun Ideas
    • Back to School